Machine for applying clips to hose.



No. 788,969. PATE NTED MAY 2, 1905.

W..A. WALKER. 1

MACHINE FOR APPLYING CLIPS TO HOSE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 19, 1904.

6 SHEETS-$111131 l.

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W. A. WALKER.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING CLIPS TO HOSE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.19, 1904. v I

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W. A. WALKER.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING CLIPS TO HOSE.

APPLIQATION FILED NOV. 19. 1904.

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WM. Snood PATENTED MAY 2. 1905.

- W. A. WALKER.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING CLIPS TO HOSE.

APPLIOATION FILED NOV. 19. 1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

PATENTED MAY 2, 1905.

W. A. WALKER. MACHINE FOR APPLYING CLIPS TO HOSE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.19. 1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

m 4 w t l IIHHHII witnzooao abhor/"M1 No. 788,969. PATENTED MAY 2, 1905.W.x A. WALKER.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING CLIPS T0 HOSE.

APPLIUATION 11.21) NOV.19. 1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

WWW 0L. W fie b j ewb PM ilNiTEE STATES Patented May 2, 1905.

' PATENT @EETCE.

MACHINE FOR APPLYING CLIPS TO HOSE.

' SPECIFQICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 788,969, dated May2, 1905.

Application filed November 19, 1904. Serial No, 233,508.

To all 7.077107?" it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM A. WALKER, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of the cityof Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for ApplyingClips to Hose, of which the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription, such as will enable those skilled in the art to which itappertains to makeand use the same, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

The invention relates to improvements in machines of that descriptionwhich are employed in securing clips about the end of a hose into whicha coupling-piece has been inserted. Owing to the stiffness of the metalforming such clips and the resistance of the material composing thehose, it is necessary to employ powerful clamping mechanism to force theclip into place preparatory to the insertion of the holding-bolt.

The invention particularly relates to an improved machine for applyingthe clip shown and described in .Patent No. 480.515, of August 9, 1892.One of the essential features of this particular clip is the tongue,that is formed by folding back on itself a strip of the metalcut fromthe body of the clip, with the folded part projecting outside of theperiphery of the main part of the clip. When the clip is in place aboutthe hose, thetongue, which is on one end of the clip, spans theintervening space between the ends of the clip, and its free endregisters with a slit in the opposite end of the clip. When thisparticular clip is applied, it should be forced into place with a smoothand even movement, so as to permit the tongue to assume its proper placeacross the intervening space between the ends of the clip and with itsfree end registering with the opposite slit. Should there be a rough anduneven movement in bringing the ends of the clip together, the tonguewould be apt to miss registering with the opposite slit. Also excessivestrain should not be brought to bear upon the tongue during theapplication of the clip, for when it occurs the tongue 1s oftensprungand cannot register with the slit. Sometimes the excessive strainapplied to the tongue weakens or breaks it, so that it cannot serve itspurpose.

The machines in ordinary use for attaching hose-clips do not actsatisfactorily when employed in applying the particular clip referredto. Their operation-is too harsh and rough, and they often damage theclip by weakening or breaking the tongue or displacing the latter, sothat it will not assume its proper position.

The present invention has for its object the provision of a machine thatwill apply the clip in a smooth and even manner, so as to permit thetongue to assume its proper place, and also one that will not put anyundue strain on the tongue while the clip is being applied.

The invention consists in the novel construction, combination, andarrangement of parts, such as will be hereinafter fully described,pointed out in the appended claims, and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

In the drawings, in which similar reference characters designatecorresponding parts, Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a machineembodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a view, partly in elevation andpartly in vertical section, taken at right angles to the section shownin Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of the th reeway valve forcontrolling the admission of the operating fluid into the cylinder. Fig.4 is a plan view of the machine. Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional viewon the line 5 5 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a detail view showing a part of thecasing, one of the operating-levers, and the wedge-block. Figs. 7 and 8are detail views showing'one of the clamping-jaws. Fig. 9 is across-sectional view of the wedgeblock. Figs. 10 and 11 are viewsshowing the clip. Fig. 12is a vertical sectional view showing themachine with modifications. Fig. 13 is a'view, partly in elevation andpartly in vertical section, of the modified machine. Fig. 1A is a planview of the same. Fig. 15 is a detail view showing part of the casingand one of the operating-levers of the modified form. Fig. 16 is adetail view showing one of the operating-levers provided with anadjustable friction-roll. Fig. 17 is a cross-secwedge-block.

- the line 18 18 of Fig. 16.

The machine is designed to be operated by compressed air; but any othersuitable fluid under pressure can be used.

The particular clip which the machine is specially intended to applyconsists of the body portion a, provided at its ends with the ears 6,through which the bolt cpasses to secure the clip in place, Figs. 10 and11. A tongue d is formed at one end of the clip by a strip of metal cutfrom the body of the clip and folded back on itself, as at e, andextends toward the opposite end of the clip. When the two ends of theclip are brought together preparatory to the insertion of theholding-bolt 0, the free end of the tonguespans the intervening spacebetween the two ends and passes through the slit f in the opposite endof the clip. It is to be observed that the folded part 6 of the tongueprojects outside of the periphery of the main part of the clip. When anordinary clamping-machine is used, this folded part receives the wholeforce of the clamp ing-jaws, and the tongue is thereby displaced ordamaged. One of the objects of the present invention is to provideclamping-jaws that will not contact with this folded part of the tongue.

The operative parts of the machine are inclosed to a considerable extentby a hollow casing, so as to be protected against injury and also toavoid accidents to the workmen. This casing also forms the support forthe several operative parts. It comprises the bottom section 1, themiddle section 2, and the top section 3. The abutting ends of thesections are flanged and are secured together by suitable bolts passingthrough the same. The two lower sections have a tubular formation andthe top one has a flattened front and back and rounded sides. The middlesection 2 forms a cylinder, with its upper head consisting of the crown1 of the said section and its lower head formed of the crown 5 of thebottom section 1. In the cylinder is the piston 6, provided with thepacking 7, held in place by the annular plate 8, and the screws 9passing through said plate into the piston. The piston is normallypressed downward by the coiled spring 10, interposed between the sameand the upper cylinder-head 1-. Connected with the piston and passingthrough the upper head 4 is the rod 11, with its upper end in a bearingin the cross-piece 12 in the top section 3. In the cylinder, slightlyabove its middle part, is the annular flange 13, having the elasticcushion 14: on its under side. The flange limits the upward movement ofthe piston, and the impact of the latter is received by the cushion toavoid jarring.

A pipe 15, leading from a source of compressed air, passes through theside of the bottom section 1 and communicates, through the head 5, withthe lower end of the cylinder be: neath the piston. This pipe alsoconnects with the exhaust-pipe 16. At the intersection of the pipes 15and 16 is the three-way valve 17, Fig. 3. In the valve-plug are theinduction-port 18 and the eduction-port 19. The induction-port 18 is solocated in the plug as to form a continuous passage through the pipe 15from the source of compressed air to the cylinder when the valve isoperated to admit the fluid to the cylinder. The lower end of theeduction-port 19 registers with the exhaust-pipe 16, and its upper endis so located as to form a passage from the cylinder,through the innerend of the pipe 15, to the exhaustpipe 16. The eduction-port is muchlarger than the inductionport,so that the compressed air will much morequickly leave the cylinder than it will enter the same. This will give acomparatively slow movement the piston upward and a quick return of thesame. By means of the three-way valve the piston-rod 11 and the partsconnected with it can be given a reciprocative motion.

In the crown 20 of the top section 3 of the casing is the centralopening 21, through which project the upper ends of the levers 22. Thelatter are pivoted. as at 23, in the brack ets 2 1, adjustably mountedin the opposite sides of the casing. The stem of each bracket isscrew-threaded and passes through an opening in the wall of the casing.On the stem and on opposite sides of the wall are the nuts for clampingthe Wall, and thereby holding the bracket in its adjustments. On thelower ends of the levers 22 are the friction-rolls 26, with grooves intheir peripheries. These rolls engage with the oppositely-inclinedcam-faces of the wedge-block 28, secured on the upper end of thepiston-rod 11. Springs 29, secured to the casing, bear upon the levers22 and force their rolls into engagement with the wedge-block. The endsof the springs, as at 30, are bifurcated, so as to straddle the levers,and are thereby prevented from slipi ping ofl the same. When thewedge-block is reciprocated through the movement of the piston-rod,thelevers are oscillated in opposite directions.

Clamping-jaws are respectively pivoted to the upper ends of the levers22, as at 31,

and are hinged together at their lower ends,

as at 82. The upper ends of the jaws are wedge-shaped and have a lateralextension 33 and are provided with a recess 34: in their face. The facesof the jaws are protected against wear by the hardened-steel plates 35.Through the oscillation of the levers 22 the jaws are opened and closed.The distance which they will open and close can be regulated byadjusting the brackets 2 1 in the casing.

The crown 20 of the top section of the casing forms the work-table.Secured to an edge of the same is the bracket 36, having a rest 37 inline with the clamping-jaws to form a support for the free end of thehose while a clip is being applied.

The operation of the device is as follows: The end of the hose intowhich the coupling has been inserted and on which,the clip has beenplaced outside of the coupling-piece is placed between the clamping-jawswith the clip directly between them and with the folded part a of thetongue directly opposite the recess 3 1 in either of the clamping-jaws.The other end of the hose is supported by the rest 37. After the hosehas been placed in position the three-way valve 17 is turned so that theinduction-port 18 completes the passage through the supply-pipe 15, sothat the compressed air can enter the cylinder. As the air enters thecylinder the piston is forced upward with a comparatively slow movementagainst the action of the spring 10 and also against the actions of thesprings 29. Through the intervening mechanism the clamping-jaws slowlyclose about the clip, and the latter is compressed around the hose andthere held. The holding-bolt c is then secured in place. This closingmovement of the clamping-jaws is comparatively slow, and the tongue ofthe clip will have sufficient time within which to take its properposition. As the clampingjaws come together the folded part a of thetongue registers with one of the recesses 34, and consequently no unduestrain will be put upon the tongue. The clips may not always be placedin the same position relative to the end of the hose. Some may be nearerthe end and others farther away. The position of the jaws relative tothe end of the hose is cont-rolled by the coupling piece, against whichthe jaws abut when the hose is placed in position. Any slight variationin the positions of the differentclips is allowed for by the lateralextensions 33 of the jaws and the comparatively large recesses 34: inthe faces of the same. By having recesses in both jaws the clips can beplaced with the folded part of the tongue on either side of the hose.After the clip has been secured in place the threeway valve 17 is turnedso that the eductionport 19 registers with the cylinder end of the pipe15, and thereby forms a continuous passage from the cylinder to theexhaust-pipe 16, through which the compressed air escapes. As theeduction-port is comparatively large, the cylinder will be quickly freedof the compressed air, and the springs 10 and 29, operating through theintervening mechanism, will quickly release and set the clam ping-jawsfor the next operation.

In Figs. 12 to 18, inclusive, several modifications of difierent partsof the machine are shown. The casing shown in Figs. 12, 13, and .14 hassubstantially the same construction as that already described. Itconsists of the bottom section 51, the intermediate section 52, and thetop section 53. In this instance the casing is almost entirely closedand is provided with doors, as at 54, for closing such openings as arenecessary. In the intermediate section is the cylinder in which thepiston moves and is opposed by the spring 56. A pipe 57 leads from asupply of compressed air to the cylinder and is connected with anexhaust-pipe, at the intersection of-which is the three-way valve 58,controlling the passages through the same. Connected with the piston isthe rod 59, carrying the wedge-block 60, provided with inclined groovedfaces 61. Projecting through the crown of the top section 53 of thecasing are the ends of the levers 62, fulcrumed on fixed pivots 63 inthe casing. At the lower ends of these levers are the friction-rolls 64,which fit into the grooved faces of the wedge-block. Springs 65, securedto the casing, bear on the levers and press the rolls against theinclined faces. On the under side of the crown of the top section 53 isthe support 66, through which passes the stem of the bracket 67, withits upper end projecting above the crown. On the stem, of the bracketand on opposite sides of the sup port are the clamping nuts whereby thebracket can be adjusted and secured in its adjustments. Fulcrumed on theupper end of the bracket are the clamping-jaws 69, of the sameconstruction as those already described. They are connected with theupper ends of the levers 62 by the links 70. By means of the adjustablebracket the distance which the jaws will open and close can beregulated. The operation of the machine in this instance issubstantially the same as in the former one.

In Figs. 16 and 18 is shown a friction-roll 71, adjustably mounted onthe lever 72. The latter corresponds with the levers 22 and 62, alreadydescribed. Here the friction-roll is journaled in the arm 73, hinged tothe lower end of the lever in a position to engage with the wedge-block.The position of the roll relative to the lower end of the lever can beadjusted by means of the set-screw 74. Levers provided with suchadjustable rolls can be regulated to give a greater or less opening ofthe clamping-jaws.

Other modifications of the machine are obvious.

While the machine has been described as being adapted to aparticular'form of clip, yet it can be employed in applying clips ofother forms.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secureby Letters Patent, is-

1. In a clip applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, levers providedwith adjustable fulcrnms connected with said jaws, and means foroscillating said levers to give a comparatively slow closing movementand a comparatively quick opening movement of said jaws.

2. In a clip-applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversconnected with &

. ton.

4. In a clip applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversconnected with said jaws, a wedge-block having cam-faces bearing on saidlevers, a cylinder, a piston in said cylinder and connected with saidwedgeblock, a spring pressing said piston in one direction, and meansfor admitting fluid under pressure into said cylinder to move saidpiston against the action of said spring;

5. In a clip applying machine, hinged clamping-jaws, levers havingadjustable ful.

crums connected with said jaws, a wedgeblock having cam-faces bearing onsaid levers, and means for moving said wedge-block to oscillate saidlevers in opposite directions to open and close said jaws.

6. In a clip applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversconnected with said jaws, a wedge-block having cam-faces bearing on saidlevers, springs pressing said levers against said cam-faces, and meansfor moving said wedge-blocks to oscillate said levers in oppositedirections to open and close said jaws.

7 In a clip applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversprovided with adjustable fulcrums connected with said jaws, awedge-block having cam-faces bearing on said levers, springs pressingsaid levers against said cam-faces, and means for moving saidwedge-blocks to oscillate said levers in opposite directions to open andclose said jaws.

8. In a clip applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversconnected with said jaws, a wedge-block having cam-faces, rolls on saidlevers and bearing on said camfaces, and means for moving saidwedge-block to oscillate said levers in opposite directions to open andclose said jaws.

9. In a clip applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, levers providedwith adjust;- able fulcrums connected with said jaws, a wedge-blockhaving cam-faces, rolls on said levers and bearing on said cam-faces,and means for moving said wedge-block to oscillate said levers inopposite directions to open and close said jaws.

10. In a clip-applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversconnected with said jaws, a wedge-block having cam-faces, rolls on saidlevers and bearing on said camfaces, springs bearing on said levers andpressingsaid rolls against said cam-faces, and means for moving saidwedge-block to oscillate said levers in opposite directions to open andclose said jaws.

11. In a clip applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, levers providedwith adjustable fulcrums connected with said jaws, a wedge-block havingcam-faces, rolls on said levers and bearing on said cam-faces, springsbearing on said levers and pressing said rolls against said cam-faces,and means for moving said wedge-block to oscillate said levers inopposite directions to open and close said jaws.

12. In a clip-applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, levers providedwith adjustable fulcrums connected with said jaws, a wedge-block havingcam-faces, rolls on said levers and bearing on said cam-faces, springsbearing on said levers and pressing said rolls against said cam-faces, acylinder, a piston in said cylinder and connected with said wedgeblock,a spring pressing said piston in one direction, and means for admittingfluid under pressure into said cylinder to move said piston against theaction of said springs.

13. In a clip-applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, levers providedwith adjustable fulcrums connected with said jaws, and mechanismoperated by fluid pressure for oscillating said levers to give acomparatively slow closing movement and a comparatively quick openingmovement of said jaws.

14:. In a clip-applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversconnected with said jaws, a wedge-block bearing on saidlevers, and meansfor reciprocating said wedgei block to oscillate said levers to give acornparatively slow closing movement and a com paratively quick openingmovement of said jaws.

15. In a clip-applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, pivoted leversconnected with said jaws, a wedge-block bearing on said levers, andmechanism operated by fluid-pressure for reciprocating said wedge-blockto oscillate said levers to give a comparatively slow closing movementand a comparatively quick opening movement of said jaws.

16. In a clip-applying machine, pivoted clamping-jaws, levers providedwith adjustable fulcrums connected with said jaws, a wedge-block bearingon said levers, and mechanism operated by fluid-pressure forreciprocating said wedge-block to oscillate said levers to give acomparatively slow closing movement and a comparatively quick openingmovement of said jaws.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature in the presence oftwo witnesses.

WILLIAM A. WALKER.

Witnesses:

GRANT BURROUGHS, FRANCIS S. MAGUIRE.

